Leadership Development Musings: January 2016

As I was studying and researching for the sermon for today Christmas 1, Luke 2:41-51, the story of Jesus in the temple at age 12, I found the following thoughts written by Rev. Dwight Moody CBF and I thought they fit some of the thoughts Laura and I have about Leadership Development.  They also mirror what some have told us they experienced as they felt the call to ministry.  I pray they speak to you and give you pause as you encounter those with gifts and talents in you congregations, your clusters, the wider district.

“God speaks to the soul, at age 13 and at age 63 at any age. God stirs us to do something, go somewhere, serve somebody, preach news to people for whom it is good and glorious and God-sent.

What do you say when a teenager confides to you, “I want to be a preacher”?

There was a time when the minister was held in high esteem. They were one of the few educated persons in the community: the teacher, the doctor, the lawyer/judge, the minister; these were the professions.

I wonder if Mary and Joseph thought this way about Jesus. The rabbi, then and now, is a position of high honor is Judaism. It has retained more of its social clout than the Christian minister or priest. Did Mary and Joseph envision Jesus as one of the esteemed rabbis of Galilee, perhaps a leader of the party of the Pharisees, perhaps even making it all the way to the temple hierarchy, exercising influence over the political and cultural life of the Jewish people?

Who knows?

But times have changed for us. Other professions have surpassed the preacher: educator, scientist, journalist, programmer, film director, professional athlete, entrepreneur. The minister is more a missionary in his home country. They must fight public opinion as well as spiritual lethargy. Gospel work is not an easy life.

Mary and Joseph found Jesus at the center of religious life in Jerusalem–in the temple. He was listening, the text says, and then it says: they were astounded at his answers. Jesus both listened and spoke. He was a genius. He was brilliant. Even on a human level, he was destined for greatness.

Can Jesus be a role model for young people seeking their way in the world?

Can Jesus be an inspiration today for teenagers longing to hear the voice of God?

When we find young people, even 12-year-old kids, who are smart, talented, love Jesus and want to make a difference in the world, can we say to them: “Perhaps God wants you to be a preacher like Jesus.” Perhaps God is calling you like he called and anointed Jesus: An interpreter of the word of God, a teller of stories, a rebuker of the political and religious establishment, a caregiver of souls, a healer of diseases, a leader of people, one who stands and delivers a word for our time, who calls us all to abandon lives of selfish gain, who issues to us a challenge to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

Not everybody knows at age 10 or 12 or 14 where the road ahead will lead. Not even Jesus knew all that we know now about his life, about his death and resurrection. But he was one man who went on his own way, followed his own sense of direction, and marched to the beat of his own drummer. He was full of the Holy Spirit, they said then, and we say now.

Young people today hear that ancient question, “Who will go for us?”

It speaks to them. It reaches into their souls. That question reorients their life, their loves, their longing.

And when they kneel before the almighty and everlasting God and say, “Here am I; send me,” let us go before them to prepare the way, let us stretch our hand above them and give them our blessing, let us kneel with them and pray that God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, will protect and prosper them as they declare the unsearchable riches of the man who stayed behind in Jerusalem to pursue the calling that God had placed upon his life.”

Brothers and Sisters we pray that when you see the spark of gifts and calling for ministry in our midst we acknowledge them, pray with that person, encourage that person, recommend books, mentor them, listen to them!

Next month we will provide a list of young people who have already expressed the nudging of God on their hearts. Please continue to pray for those in leadership in our midst as we begin the 150th year of our Northern Plaines District.  Blessings, love, joy, and prayers to you all in the New Year, Sister Barbara